Also on the subject of defections, there is an interesting story about Assad's Foreign Ministry spokesman, Jihad Makdissi and some Twiiter converstations he had with activists before he defected. In this article, Al Jazeera raises the question: Did activists influence a top Syrian official to defect?

Also on the subject of Al Jazeera and defections, Al Jazeera has produced this very interesting interactive map of Syrian defections. It doesn't touch on the thousands and thousands of defections of ordinary functionaries and soldiers. It just covers the top one hundred or less.

In spite of the fighting going on, Syrians still manage to organize mass protests against the regime like these today:

And while "anti-war activists"like those associated with UNAC may find all manner of reason to ignore the people's struggle in Syria, other activists like this flash mob for Syria and Palestine in Eaton Centre find a way to have an impact.

There is an ongoing conflict in Syria with no end in sight and thousands of refugees have fled into neighbouring countries such as Jordan, Turkey, Iraq and Lebanon. This project is dedicated to raising funds for the Medecins Sans Frontieres / Doctors Without Borders "Emergency Fund". Donations will go towards purchasing medical supplies, food, blankets, and other supplies for the refugees living in camps in northern Lebanon.

New use of poison gas reported in Daraya, Syria

We have new reports of a poisonous gas being used by the Assad forces in Daraya. So far three people are reported as having been killed by the toxic gas.